I offer a range of courses, lectures and workshops and tours, specialising in freehand machine embroidery
and related creative stitching techniques. Fortnightly courses offer an intensive exploration into
the creative world of Freehand Machine Embroidery.

Get to know your sewing machine and use it as a drawing tool to create individual designs.

Residential courses are on offer at West Dean College, Chichester, West Sussex,

ZOOM workshops offer worldwide accessibility.

I lead Textile Tours with Aahilya Holidays

 As a freelance tutor and lecturer, I travel nationally and internationally, visiting groups and guilds.

(see below for details of available courses)

TEXTILE TOURS TO JAPAN, INDIA, TURKEY & SOUTH KOREA
    to book contact -  info@aahilyaholidays.com

A TEXTILE ODYSSEY THROUGH JAPAN
for information contact -
https://www.aahilyaholidays.com/tour/6f6a/a-textile-odyssey-through-japan-with-wendy-dolan
last few places available
1st - 14th September 2026
A cultural journey that showcases Japan's rich textile heritage. The tour explores traditional techniques like shibori (tie-dyeing), kimono recycling and weaving, alongside modern textile innovations. Visit textile museums, participate in hands-on workshops, and gain insight into the cultural significance of fabrics in Japan, offering a unique perspective on the country's craftsmanship and design.

EXPLORE THE TEXTILES OF WEST BENGAL
for information contact
https://aahilyaholidays.com/tour/0669/textile-tour-of-west-bengal-with-wendy-dolan-2027
30th January - 11th February 2027
Explore the rich textile heritage of West Bengal, including workshops on Kantha embroidery, batik, block printing, ecoprinting, and Shibori

A CRAFT, CULTURE & ARCHITECTURE TOUR OF TURKEY
https://www.aahilyaholidays.com/tour/bf17/-a-craft,-culture-&-architecture-tour-of-turkey-with-wendy-dolan-2027
8th - 23rd June 2027

A CRAFT & TEXTILE TRADITIONS OF SOUTH KOREA
https://www.aahilyaholidays.com/tour/7c32/craft-&-textile-traditions-of-south-korea-with-wendy-dolan-2027
 16th - 27th November 2027
 

ZOOM WORKSHOPS
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book on:-  01273 417178               e-mail  wendy@wendydolan.co.uk

FREEHAND MACHINE EMBROIDERY
Sunday 17th May 2026       10am - 4pm        £50
Learn how to set up your basic sewing machine for Freehand Machine Embroidery and have fun ‘drawing’ with thread. After practising different techniques and layering fabrics, you can create a small picture or panel   Suitable for beginners.

IN THE MEADOW - FREEHAND MACHINE EMBROIDERY
Sunday 25th October 2026       10am - 4pm        £50
Inspired by the meadow flowers project in my book ‘Layer, Paint and Stitch’ you will layer and machine stitch natural fabrics and trimmings. This textured background will be painted and then worked into with freehand machine embroidery creating a meadow of flowers.
Suitable for all levels of ability

SUSSEX GUILD EVENT ROOM

20th Anniversary Taster Sessions
Sussex Guild Shop, Southover Grange, Southover Rd, Lewes, E.Sussex BN7 1TP
book on   https://thesussexguild.co.uk/online-shop/

INTRODUCTION TO FREEHAND  MACHINE EMBROIDERY
19th July 2026
10.30am - 12.30pm  or  2.00pm - 4.00pm                    £22.00   per session              

BRIGHTON SUMMER SCHOOL
Falmer Village Hall, South Street, Falmer, Brighton. BN1 9PT 
book on:-  01273 417178        e-mail  wendy@wendydolan.co.uk

ARCHITECTURE IN STITCH
      10th-14th August 2026     £350       
 Set in a beautiful location opposite the village pond in Falmer Village, Sussex - near the Universities of Sussex and
Brighton and the Amex Stadium. Enjoy a week of creative stitching..
 Free parking.
 

WEST DEAN COLLEGE
West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex. PO18 0QZ
book on:- 01243 811301 www.westdean.org.uk

MACHINE EMBROIDERED LANDSCAPES
19th - 22nd November 2026

CREATIVE MACHINE EMBROIDERY

Court Bushes Community Hub, Willow Way, Hurstpierpoint,  West Sussex. BN6 9TH
book on:-  01273 417178               e-mail  wendy@wendydolan.co.uk

BEGINNERS & IMPROVERS
Wednesday   10.00am-3.30pm   (all day, alternate weeks)   12 weeks from October 2026     £450  
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ADVANCED
Wednesday   10.00am-3.30pm     (all day, alternate weeks)   12 weeks from October 2026      £450 

  

PATCHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE
Ladies Mile Road, Patcham, Brighton, East Sussex. BN1 8TA
book on:-  01273 417178            e-mail   wendy@wendydolan.co.uk

WORKSHOPS TO BE CONFIRMED

                          As a freelance tutor and lecturer I offer talks and workshops, both in person, and via Zoom

WORKSHOPS

       Creative Machine Embroidery for Beginners 
                                                                    Machine Embroidery Inspired by Indian Textiles                                                                
In The Meadow - Layer, Paint and Stitch (1 or 2 day +)
Layered Landscapes (1 or 2 day +)
Machine Embroidered Winter Landscapes / Autumn Landscapes
Architecture in Stitch (1 or 2 day +)
Machine Embroidered Book Covers
Machine Embroidered Bowls and Vessels - working with soluble fabrics
Machine Embroidered Lace - using soluble fabrics
Machine Embroidery inspired by Gustav Klimt (1 or 2 day +)
Machine Embroidery inspired by Antoni Gaudi (1 or 2 day +)
Machine Embroidered Flowers / Trees / Gardens

LECTURES

Creative Stitched Textiles
Indian Treasures - Inspiration from Indian Textiles
Interpreting Natural Forms in Embroidery
Art, Architecture and Stitch
Layer, Paint and Stitch - Exploring the techniques and ideas in my book.
A Change of Scale - The challenges of large scale commissions